In the Hokage Building, Konoha Village.
Since Minato took office, it had taken him a full year to gradually dismantle the influence once held by the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Now, those in Konoha's upper echelons were people of similar age or temperament to himself.
Or more precisely, ninja belonging to Minato's own faction.
Anyone who held power inevitably got pulled into the political games.
Minato was just like everyone else in this regard!
In the largest of all ninja villages, the struggles here were fiercer than in other villages. Many individuals were unwillingly drawn into this battle known as the game of power.
Jiraiya too had refused the position of Hokage, partly because he couldn't stand the kind of politics he found despicable.
However, changes in power were as normal as dynastic shifts; just because the Third supported Minato's ascent didn't mean he could keep influencing the village's decisions through Minato's shadow.
More often than not, he needed to play his role well as a retired Hokage, occasionally giving suggestions and reminding everyone of his presence — which was already enough.
Retirement meant there was no legitimate reason left to continue exercising power and imposing one's will upon many ninja.
Although initially the Third had supported Minato becoming the Hokage, that choice itself had been necessary at the time.
Minato was among several candidates, but possessed the most approachable demeanor and widespread popular support.
Moreover, having ended the war with Iwagakure, his reputation soared.
Most importantly, he inherited the sacred "Will of Fire" — a flame that never dies, rising anew wherever leaves fall.
Faced with an aging Third and a younger Minato who enjoyed immense popularity, anyone would have made the same choice.
Rather than stubbornly clinging to power, it was better to step down gracefully and do a favor for the future.
Minato was at least somewhat related to the Third through being his student's student, so this also represented a form of inheritance.
Even so, Minato still understood one simple thing: he couldn't allow the previous generation's authority to continue unchecked.
Therefore, one of the first things he did after taking office was strategically place those he trusted into key roles throughout the village.
For example, Shikaku Nara, Inoichi Yamanaka, Kakashi... and others like them.
The Third's shadow slowly faded from the village, until he had seemingly transformed into nothing more than a retired old man, spending his days gardening with Biwako, playing with his grandson, and amusing the monkeys.
After so many years, as Minato steadily built Konoha into a stronger village, many commoners no longer remembered the Third clearly — or simply allowed him to fade from memory.
Certainly, this was also largely due to the Third's long absence from any major village events.
...
That morning, he saw off Jiraiya, Kakashi, and the others. All morning long, Minato felt distracted and uneasy, sensing something big was about to happen.
His heart felt as though someone had gripped it tightly and was squeezing without mercy.
The feeling gnawed at him, and Minato had zero interest in poring over the financial report on his desk detailing the village's annual budget.
Beside him sat Shikaku Nara, serving as Hokage assistant.
He noticed right away that Minato's mood had shifted.
He knew that Jiraiya-sama had left on a mission with a group of ninjas.
With Jiraiya there and the rising stars among ninjas in recent years, this mission really shouldn't be worrying Minato at all.
Glancing at the time, it was already past eleven o'clock—almost time to wrap up work and prepare for lunch.
Their lunch was served directly in the staff cafeteria of the Hokage Building.
It was prepared by specially hired chefs and then brought over from a nearby location.
This system was introduced by Minato after he took office, as a convenience and benefit for all clerical ninjas working in the Hokage Building.
The cafeteria was funded by a special budget allocation from the Fire Daimyo, aimed specifically at preventing them from wasting time traveling to and from meals.
Realizing the time wasn't getting any earlier, Shikaku simply put down the documents in his hands and initiated a conversation with Minato.
"Minato, still thinking about Jiraiya-sama's current mission?"
"Uh, yeah. I just feel like there's something I've missed this time!"
Minato hesitated slightly, not expecting Shikaku to ask such a question.
He also set the papers aside and looked at Shikaku, his voice hesitant.
"With that man around, you don't really need to worry, right? He's among the top-ranked ninja across the entire Shinobi World!"
Shikaku placed his hand against his chin, stroking his beard, encouraging Minato to let go of these concerns.
He had complete confidence in Jiraiya's strength, and great expectations for the young ninjas he'd brought along.
After all, these few were probably the strongest of this generation and would become the future pillars of Konoha.
"I know. With Teacher Jiraiya leading them, the team's capabilities are clearly set. Still, I can't shake the feeling that I've missed something."
Minato nodded in agreement with Shikaku but still wore a worried expression.
"That [Akatsuki] member should be Saitama Uchiha. Let's hope they come back with something useful this time!"
Minato stared at Shikaku, his expression uncertain.
"Saitama Uchiha... His strength has always been unpredictable. However, with Kakashi and Shisui there, they should be able to handle things."
Shikaku continued pondering before finally uttering that sentence.
"I see, got it."
Minato neatly arranged the documents before standing up.
"Let's go. It's lunchtime now. Let's eat first! Today's lunch includes mackerel simmered in miso [a traditional Japanese soybean paste], which is your favorite—why don't you give it a try?"
Walking around the desk, Minato gestured toward Shikaku.
"Oh? Really? Well, looks like I'm in for a treat today!"
Shikaku smiled faintly, the scars on his face softening accordingly.
"By the way, I heard your son is in the same class as my little troublemaker. You must get your boy to teach mine how to act smarter sometimes!"
Minato massaged his forehead with a troubled expression.
"That boy's completely spoiled by Kushina. Honestly, he's turning into quite the troublemaker!"
"This kind of trouble—I bet Shikamaru will definitely delay dealing with it."
"Kids are kids—they'll grow out of it. It's just part of being young!"
Shikaku narrowed his eyes, thinking about his own precocious son.
Even though he was smart, his personality just wasn't cut out for being a ninja.
He was too afraid of trouble and found everything burdensome—except quietly playing chess or sleeping.
So, he still needed plenty of polishing and gradual transformation!
"Yeah, these days peace has become the main theme in the ninja world. Nobody really wants to start a fight, except..."
As he said that, Minato once again thought about Kakashi's team, who had already left.
Inside, he silently wished them luck. The two men walked out of the office, one ahead of the other, heading toward the cafeteria.
Once they arrived, Shikaku indeed saw his favorite miso-grilled saury, along with several other snacks he liked.
After ordering a few dishes, he joined Minato—who had also finished ordering—and casually picked a spot to sit.
This place wasn't very large—just big enough to hold around a hundred people dining together.
Although one was the Hokage and the other was both the Hokage's assistant and leader of the Jonin division,
no commotion arose.
The diners had long gotten used to seeing them and thought nothing of it.
At most, they'd sneak a few glances and gossip about what the two were wearing or how they looked today—usual small talk topics.
Thus, lunch proceeded in orderly fashion.
...
"Hiruzen Sarutobi, Jiraiya has already left the village!"
In a relatively secluded yet peaceful corner of Konoha Village,
an old man wearing glasses—Homura Mitokado—and a plump-faced elderly woman—Koharu Utatane—were speaking to another frail, elderly figure who was watering plants: Hiruzen Sarutobi.
"Mm, I know."
Minato barely nodded but continued carefully tending to the succulents he'd nurtured for several years.
"Even though we've retired, you can't truly ignore the village forever!"
Koharu Utatane's voice carried some confusion.
Was this frail old man still the same "Shinobi no Kami" (God of Shinobi), Hiruzen Sarutobi?
Ever since passing on the Hokage duties to Minato, he seemed to have abandoned administrative responsibilities, no longer involving himself in village decisions.
And especially after the Danzo incident, he withdrew even further, not interfering at all.
He and his wife, Sarutobi Biwako, moved here, away from the village center, peacefully beginning a quiet life in retirement.
Sarutobi Biwako took care of their grandson, Konohamaru Sarutobi, while he focused daily on Yangsheng (traditional health cultivation), tending lovingly to his succulents.
"So what do you want me to do? Keep clinging to authority and bossing around the village just because I'm old?"
This time, Hiruzen Sarutobi stood up straight and turned back to look at the two others.
"I heard this mission of Jiraiya's is to capture a ninja belonging to the Akatsuki organization, as well as your disciple, Orochimaru!"
"That Akatsuki ninja might be Saitama Uchiha, the one who killed Danzo."
Homura Mitokado adjusted his glasses and added, lightly flicking the bridge.
"So what?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at them, his aged face marked by spots carrying a hint of mockery.
"You really forget so easily Danzo's death?!"
"Forget? How could I forget? After all, we've been friends for decades."
"But don't you also remember, every disaster started because Danzo brought it upon himself!"
"It started with him and ended with him—that's only fair!"
Hiruzen seemed to have come to terms with everything, his eyes calm and serene.
When it came to Danzo's matter, his emotions were no longer as intense as before.
Lately, he seemed to have truly accepted everything and had begun reflecting on all he had done over the past few decades.
There were good things and bad things—it was all for Konoha's sake. But politics itself was always murky.
There was no absolute right or wrong, only different perspectives.
This conclusion took Hiruzen a long time to reach after deeply contemplating his entire rule.
He had grown old. It was time to step aside.
Ever since Jiraiya, Minato, and others refused to support his series of actions following Danzo's death,
he had known that his era had indeed ended.
And watching how prosperous Konoha had become under Minato's leadership, Hiruzen felt genuinely happy.
With these two emotional states combined, he initially felt conflicted, even disturbed inside.
But as time passed, he had slowly come to understand deeper truths.
Their older generation's way of thinking was truly outdated. Moreover, their old tricks and political maneuvering no longer fit this new era.
This was no longer the chaotic and dark age they once lived in; the village's current direction no longer required so many underhanded methods to maintain stability.
"Do you really think that's true? Back then, when our teacher handed the village over to us, it was through mutual effort and support that we made it this far."
"But now, you're really not willing to do *anything* for Danzo?"
Koharu Utatane stared at Hiruzen with wide eyes.
As a woman who had shared decades of friendship with Danzo, she struggled to remain composed.
Even though Danzo had frequently clashed with them while alive, it was merely a balancing act—a spectacle needed by the clans of the village, rather than an indication their relationship had turned truly cold and distant.
"Koharu, enough. Let's leave Danzo's death behind us."
"We're already in our sixties. It's time to step back. Look at the village now—gradually heading toward prosperity."
"Minato has already made concessions regarding Danzo's matter. We shouldn't keep pushing him further. Besides, do you think the current Minato is still that young boy from before?"
"The same boy we could manipulate however we pleased?"
Hiruzen lowered his gaze to the watering can in his hands, a bitter smile appearing on his face.
"Yeah... we really have grown old!"
Homura Mitokado shook his head, admitting reality.
Actually, he had come here today because Koharu dragged him along. He had started learning from Hiruzen, trying to get used to retirement life.
No need to do anything anymore, yet still receiving a generous monthly pension, no longer needing to worry about petty village matters at all.
"Oh, Koharu, Homura—you two are here!"
The three stood silently in the yard when a voice suddenly broke the silence.
Biwako pushed open the sliding door of the inner room, pulling four-year-old Konohamaru along with her, looking slightly surprised.
"Ah, Biwako! Long time no see!"
Homura Mitokado recovered first and greeted her.
"Mm, I had nothing on today, so I thought I'd stop by and visit you all."
Koharu Utatane smiled warmly as her gaze shifted toward the small figure standing beside Biwako.
"Hello there, Konohamaru!"
She took a few steps forward, climbed onto the veranda's steps, squatted down, and reached out a hand toward Konohamaru.
"Hello, Grandma Koharu! Hello, Grandpa Homura!"
Konohamaru remained polite, though clearly shy. As he spoke, he grabbed a corner of Biwako's pants and slightly hid behind him.
"Mm, very good!"
"Don't just stand there—come on in! The food is ready anyway. Join us for a bite!"
"Biwako, stop standing around like an idiot. Bring out one jar of your best wine. Let's have a drink with Homura!"
Biwako smoothed back his bangs while speaking to everyone.
"Alright then!"
Everyone else responded in perfect unison, and no one continued discussing that earlier unpleasant matter.
...
When Minato returned to his office again, it was already past noon.
He got back to work, pushing all distractions aside and focusing hard.
Not knowing how much time had passed, Minato once again lifted his head, his neck stiff and sore from being hunched over too long.
After a quick stretch at his desk, he got ready to dive back in.
Today's tasks weren't particularly heavy. If he wrapped things up early, he could knock off work early for once.
And if he had time, he could personally go pick up that brat at home.
That kid had always held a grudge about Minato never picking him up. Every day after school, he'd just stare daggers at Minato like he was the worst kind of enemy.
Beside him, Shikaku also focused intently on his paperwork, needing to double-check every document Minato completed to ensure nothing slipped through.
"Dong! Dong! Dong!"
Frowning slightly, Minato glanced at the door and put aside the file in his hands.
"Come in!"
What could they possibly want at this hour? Who could it be?
Besides, Anbu hadn't reported any abnormalities, so whoever approached must be safe enough.
Creak.
The door creaked open, and a frail-looking black silhouette walked in.
Minato and Shikaku, who had just raised his head, both narrowed their eyes, puzzled.
The visitor wasn't anyone else but Hiruzen Sarutobi, the previous Hokage who had already retired.
"Lord Third, why are you here?"
Minato stood up, leaving his leather chair and walking over.
Shikaku also rose, nodding politely toward the old man who had entered.
"Hiruzen, Shikaku."
The Third addressed them formally.
"Just sit down first, Lord Third."
Minato moved to the sofa area, gesturing for the Third to take a seat. They could calmly discuss whatever brought him here. He felt genuinely surprised by this unexpected visit.
His gaze briefly swept over the dark-colored ninja armor worn by the Third, and Minato suppressed his curiosity inwardly.
Such attire was only seen during wartime—not really something you'd see these days.
So naturally, this behavior seemed baffling.
Once seated, Minato glanced at Shikaku, as if they were on the same page. Shikaku began pouring tea while also starting to think.
"Today's visit isn't about anything major," the elder said calmly.
"There is only one request."
Third's voice was calm yet powerful, not at all like a man in his sixties.
"Uh, please go ahead, Lord Third!"
Minato gave a slight nod and listened carefully as the old man presented his request.
"I heard that Jiraiya has gone on a mission..."
Hiruzen paused. His weathered face, marked by age spots and deep lines, slowly lit up.
Shikaku placed the teacup before Third onto the coffee table, then stepped behind Minato to listen attentively.
Minato's expression barely changed. Having held the Hokage position for so many years, he was no longer the reckless young man he once was.
Staying composed was an essential quality for a village leader.
"So, I'd like to join this mission. Consider it my final request as an old man!"
Hiruzen sighed, looking somewhat uneasy.
He had come after all, unable to forget those bonds from decades ago—the mutual support between light and shadow.
Perhaps his last stand was doing this solely under his own name.
"After this is done, I'll return to being a retired elder. I won't step foot here ever again."
"Minato, this is my final insistence. There are just some things I can't forget! If I don't do something, I always feel guilty towards him!"
A range of emotions flickered in Minato's pale blue eyes before finally settling.
"I understand."
"Do you need me to send someone with you?"
"No need. This is my personal matter now. No assistance necessary from anyone!"
"Besides, isn't Jiraiya already there? I'm not exactly fighting alone."
After receiving Minato's approval, Third rose immediately and walked straight outside without hesitation.
Minato gazed silently at Third's retreating back for quite a while.
That slumped back suddenly straightened, making him seem like he was in his prime again.
Dressed tightly in a black battle suit, with protective ninja armor covering his arms and chest, he exuded an air of cold severity.
Strangely, Minato could feel an unshakable resolve coming from the old man—and that was exactly why he agreed to let him go.
"Shikaku, what's your view on this?"
Picking up the untouched tea cup left by Third, Minato took a small sip before asking Shikaku.
His agreement to Third's request wasn't made lightly.
Since Jiraiya's departure, he had felt uneasy inside. With Third joining now, he felt much better, more confident about the operation.
As for Third's true intentions, Minato understood them perfectly.
The targets this time were Orochimaru and possibly Saitama Uchiha.
Both men were deeply tied to the Third: the first was his treacherous pupil, the second was a Konoha rogue ninja who took the life of one of his dearest friends.
Right or wrong, regardless of stance, Third's actions were understandable.
It's just revenge—something not hard to understand.
"I think it's fine. Sending Third as reinforcement offers several benefits..."
"Hmm, I think so too."
Minato nodded.
"By the way, Shikaku, find out who leaked the information. I hope something like this doesn't happen again!"
Minato put down his teacup, his tone slightly serious.
Jiraiya's recent mission was classified as top secret.
Even leaving the village wasn't recorded anywhere, and only a handful of people knew about the mission itself. Yet The Third found out despite being at home doing nothing.
It wasn't that Minato was petty, but feeling out of control really didn't sit well with him!
Minato wasn't a dictator or anything, but he still didn't want all sorts of messy factional conflicts breaking out in the village.
Especially when these factional disputes spread to the core of the village, affecting its peace and stability.
"Understood!"
Shikaku nodded, his eyes deep with understanding. In an instant, he figured out exactly where the information had been leaked from.
Although Minato had taken office and most departments had undergone major reshuffles,
there were still some departments too important to be disrupted by sudden changes.
The new successors were being gradually cultivated without immediate replacement of those high-level officials.
Anbu was one such department.
Directly subordinate to the Hokage, Anbu had three squad leaders.
The previous three squad leaders were all The Third's trusted men.
After Minato became Hokage, two positions had already been replaced—one by Kakashi and one by Shisui. The last remaining leader would also retire soon.
"Alright, it's in your hands!"
Minato rubbed his temples. He hated playing these political games.
But reality was like that, always slowly changing a person. Who would've thought that someone as bright and cheerful as him would end up becoming exactly what he used to despise?
That's just how it was. Being Hokage meant carrying the weight of the entire village on your shoulders.
Once you chose to shoulder this burden, complaining was meaningless. This was both responsibility and destiny.
No escape!
He got up, walked back to his chair, spun it around, and gazed outside through the clear window.
In a conspicuous location, Minato saw The Third talking closely with an Anbu officer.
This was a deliberate show for Minato's benefit.
The Third couldn't let Minato feel he still had influence over the village's decisions or threaten the current Hokage's prestige and authority.
"Sanjin, I'm fine. You should go submit your resignation to the Fourth later. I made things difficult for you this time!"
The Third spoke to the ninja before him, his expression complicated.
"There's no need to say that, Lord Third. Everything I have is thanks to your sponsorship. Besides, I'll officially retire next month. The successor has already been selected."
The ninja lowered his head, his voice somewhat subdued.
As soon as he reported Jiraiya's mission details to his former superior, he anticipated this situation.
However, having served under The Third for decades as an Anbu ninja, he understood The Third's relationship with Danzo.
This was his final choice.
Later, he would personally approach the Fourth to explain everything clearly, ensuring there was no lingering suspicion.
"Fine then, I'll take my leave first! Take care!"
The Third extended his hand and patted the veteran Anbu officer who had served under him for many years.
"Understood. You're the one who needs to stay safe — this enemy isn't just some run-of-the-mill ninja!"
As he looked at The Third, Anbu felt the aura around him steadily growing stronger — like the presence of the legendary Ninja Progenitor from long ago. His eyes started to well up beneath his mask.
"Hah! In the whole Shinobi World, is there still anyone who could take me down in a straight fight? Don't underestimate me, old man Sanjin!"
The Third turned around, speaking casually.
In an instant, he vanished in a blur, leaping onto the rooftop and disappearing from both Sanjin's and Minato's sight.
"This damn tangled feeling!"
Minato looked away. Right before vanishing, The Third shot him a knowing look — like he was checking if Minato had caught on.
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